Piane di Collevecchio (Plain of Collevecchio) is a ''

frazione A ''frazione'' (: ''frazioni'') is a type of subdivision of a ''comune'' ('municipality') in Italy, often a small village or hamlet outside the main town. Most ''frazioni'' were created during the Fascist era (1922–1943) as a way to consolidat ...

'' of the Italian ''

comune A (; : , ) is an administrative division of Italy, roughly equivalent to a township or municipality. It is the third-level administrative division of Italy, after regions () and provinces (). The can also have the City status in Italy, titl ...

'' of

Montorio al Vomano Montorio al Vomano ( Abruzzese: ') is a town and ''comune'' in the province of Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of central-southern Italy. It is located in the natural park known as the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. Geography The cit ...

. It lies in the

Province of Teramo The province of Teramo (; Neapolitan language, Abruzzese: ') is a provinces of Italy, province in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Teramo. The province has an area of , a population of 313,029 (2012), and is subdivided into ...

in the

Abruzzo Abruzzo (, ; ; , ''Abbrìzze'' or ''Abbrèzze'' ; ), historically also known as Abruzzi, is a Regions of Italy, region of Southern Italy with an area of 10,763 square km (4,156 sq mi) and a population of 1.3 million. It is divided into four ...

region. In 2011, 2.7% of the families in Montorio al Vomano lived in Piane di Collevecchio.

History

The village of Collevecchio probably grew up on the ''piane'' before moving to its current hilltop location. Around 1927 a small church was constructed in the name of Saint

Emygdius Saint Emygdius (Latin: ''Emidius, Æmedius, Emigdius, Hemigidius''; ; – AD) was a Christian bishop who is venerated as a martyr. Tradition states that he was killed during the persecution of Diocletian. Legend His legend states that he was a ...

, under the supervision of architect Pio Ferretti. His brother Gregorio later served as priest in the church. In spite of this, in 1945 Gregorio was shot by local partisans for his support of the

Fascists Fascism ( ) is a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement. It is characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social h ...

. Located in Piane di Collevecchio is an old water mill constructed in 1867 by Angelo Giuseppe and Francesco Salvi. Various members of the Salvi family kept the mill in operation until the year 1962. Today it is used mostly for school visits and educational purposes.

Economy

In 1989 springs containing salt and sulphurous waters were uncovered in this area. These thermal baths have received recognition from the local Italian Ministry and a large tourist centre devoted to their enjoyment has been planned. Such a development should bring much needed economic development to the surrounding area.

Monastery

At one time the ancient Monastery of Santa Maria was located in a deep hollow known as "Fosso dello Zolfo" (Sulphur Ditch). It must have been constructed on a very steep incline near the Vomano river. A neighborhood in this locality is still known as Santa Maria, referred to by others as San Martino. Over time the forces of erosion have washed away virtually all traces of this small church although some of the elderly residents of Piane di Collevecchio still speak of its presence. From time to time people who happen to be excavating in the area come across traces of the church, these thought to be omens of good luck.

Festivals and events

One prominent tradition in this hamlet is linked to memory of Saint Anthony. Groups of young people dress in the historical costumes and go from house to house singing traditional songs. In return, local food delicacies such as sausage, cheese, and eggs are requested. Another custom involves a game called ''rutula'' (the dialect word for ''ruzzola'', meaning to roll). Spheres of wood or rubber (in the past cheese) are placed in the pouch of a sheppard's sling and hurled far through the air. Tournaments dedicated to this pastime are still held and an Italian rutula champion was recently crowned.

References

{{authority control Frazioni of the Province of Teramo Cities and towns in Abruzzo eo:Collevecchio fr:Collevecchio it:Collevecchio (Montorio al Vomano)#Piane di Collevecchio nl:Collevecchio nap:Collevecchio pl:Collevecchio pt:Collevecchio